PHP to THB Live Rate

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

13 00 N, 122 00 E

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia

total: 300,000 sq km

land: 298,170 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

country comparison to the world: 74

total: 513,120 sq km

land: 510,890 sq km

water: 2,230 sq km

country comparison to the world: 52

0 km

total: 5,673 km

border countries (4): Burma 2,416 km, Cambodia 817 km, Laos 1,845 km, Malaysia 595 km

36,289 km

3,219 km

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea as wide as 285 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

mean elevation: 442 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

mean elevation: 287 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

agricultural land: 41%

arable land 18.2%; permanent crops 17.8%; permanent pasture 5%

forest: 25.9%

other: 33.1% (2011 est.)

agricultural land: 41.2%

arable land 30.8%; permanent crops 8.8%; permanent pasture 1.6%

forest: 37.2%

other: 21.6% (2011 est.)

16,270 sq km (2012)

64,150 sq km (2012)

population concentrated where good farmlands lie; highest concentrations are northwest and south-central Luzon, the southeastern extension of Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea, particularly Cebu and Negros; Manila is home to one-eighth of the entire national population

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found throughout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms each year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

volcanism: significant volcanic activity; Taal (311 m), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (2,462 m), the country's most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo, and Ragang

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

note 1: favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

note 2: for decades, the Philippine archipelago was reported as having 7,107 islands; in 2016, the national mapping authority reported that hundreds of new islands had been discovered and increased the number of islands to 7,641 - though not all of the new islands have been verified

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore; ideas for the construction of a canal across the Kra Isthmus that would create a bypass to the Strait of Malacca and shorten shipping times around Asia continue to be discussed

104,256,076 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

68,414,135

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Thai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, other 1.1%, unspecified <.1% (2015 est.)

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Thai (official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, other 8%

note: English is a secondary language of the elite (2010 est.)

Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%), Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, other <.1%, none <.1% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 58.2

youth dependency ratio: 51

elderly dependency ratio: 7.2

potential support ratio: 13.8 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 40

youth dependency ratio: 25.2

elderly dependency ratio: 14.8

potential support ratio: 6.8 (2015 est.)

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.1 years

female: 24 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 169

total: 37.7 years

male: 36.6 years

female: 38.7 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 65

1.57% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 70

0.3% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 171

23.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 61

11 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 179

6.1 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 156

8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 91

-2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 162

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

population concentrated where good farmlands lie; highest concentrations are northwest and south-central Luzon, the southeastern extension of Luzon, and the islands of the Visayan Sea, particularly Cebu and Negros; Manila is home to one-eighth of the entire national population

highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found througout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country

urban population: 44.2% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 1.57% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population: 52.7% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

MANILA (capital) 12.946 million; Davao 1.63 million; Cebu City 951,000; Zamboanga 936,000 (2015)

BANGKOK (capital) 9.27 million; Samut Prakan 1.814 million (2015)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

23 years

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2013 est.)

23.3 years (2009 est.)

114 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 71

20 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 129

total: 21.4 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 77

total: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 146

total population: 69.4 years

male: 65.9 years

female: 73.1 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 162

total population: 74.9 years

male: 71.7 years

female: 78.3 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

3.02 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 55

1.52 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 194

55.1% (2013)

79.3% (2012)

4.7% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 152

6.5% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 92

1 beds/1,000 population (2011)

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2010)

improved:

urban: 93.7% of population

rural: 90.3% of population

total: 91.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 6.3% of population

rural: 9.7% of population

total: 8.2% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 97.6% of population

rural: 98% of population

total: 97.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 2.4% of population

rural: 2% of population

total: 2.2% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 77.9% of population

rural: 70.8% of population

total: 73.9% of population

unimproved:

urban: 22.1% of population

rural: 29.2% of population

total: 26.1% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 89.9% of population

rural: 96.1% of population

total: 93% of population

unimproved:

urban: 10.1% of population

rural: 3.9% of population

total: 7% of population (2015 est.)

0.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

1.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

56,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

450,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

<1000 (2016 est.)

16,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2016)

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria (2016)

6.4% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 168

10% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 140

19.9% (2013)

country comparison to the world: 29

9.2% (2012)

country comparison to the world: 71

2.7% of GDP (2009)

country comparison to the world: 149

4.1% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 47

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.3%

male: 95.8%

female: 96.8% (2015 est.)

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.9%

male: 94.7%

female: 91.2% (2015 est.)

total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2013)

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2015)

total: 15%

male: 14.3%

female: 16% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

total: 0.9%

male: 0.8%

female: 1.1% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 159

0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form: Pilipinas

etymology: named in honor of King PHILLIP II of Spain by Spanish explorer Ruy LOPEZ de VILLALOBOS, who visited some of the islands in 1543

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form: Thailand

local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai

local short form: Prathet Thai

former: Siam

etymology: "Land of the Tai [People]"; the meaning of "tai" is uncertain, but may originally have meant "human beings," "people," or "free people"

presidential republic

constitutional monarchy; note - interim military-affiliated government since May 2014

name: Manila

geographic coordinates: 14 36 N, 120 58 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name: Bangkok

geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

80 provinces and 39 chartered cities

provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

chartered cities: Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga (2012)

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (maha nakhon); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep* (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Satun, Sing Buri, Si Sa Ket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

4 July 1946 (from the US)

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from the US

Birthday of King WACHIRALONGKON, 28 July (1952)

history: several previous; latest ratified 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

amendments: proposed by Congress if supported by three-fourths of the membership, by a constitution convention called by Congress, or by public petition; passage by either of the 3 proposal methods requires a majority vote in a national referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1987 (2017)

history: many previous; latest completed 29 March 2016, approved by referendum 7 August 2016, signed into law by the king 6 April 2017

amendments: proposed as a joint resolution by the Council of Ministers and the National Council for Peace and Order (the junta that has ruled Thailand since the 2014 coup) and submitted as a draft to the National Legislative Assembly; passage requires majority vote of the existing Assembly members and presentation to the monarch for assent and countersignature by the prime minister (2017)

mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law

civil law system with common law influences

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Philippines

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Thailand

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

18 years of age; universal

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

chief of state: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments, an independent body of 25 Congressional members including the Senate president (ex officio chairman), appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2022)

election results: Rodrigo DUTERTE elected president; percent of vote - Rodrigo DUTERTE (PDP-Laban) 39%, Manuel "Mar" ROXAS (LP) 23.5%, Grace POE (independent) 21.4%, Jejomar BINAY (UNA) 12.7%, Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO (PRP) 3.4%; Leni ROBREDO elected vice president; percent of vote Leni ROBREDO (LP) 35.1%, Bongbong MARCOS (independent) 34.5%, Alan CAYETANO 14.4%, Francis ESCUDERO (independent) 12%, Antonio TRILLANES (independent) 2.1%, Gregorio HONASAN (UNA) 1.9%

chief of state: King WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun, also spelled Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 1 December 2016); note - King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946) died 13 October 2016

head of government: Interim Prime Minister Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 25 August 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers PRAWIT Wongsuwan, Gen. (since 31 August 2014), WISSANU Kruea-ngam (since 31 August 2014), SOMKHIT Chatusiphithak (since 20 August 2015), PRACHIN Chantong, Air Chief Mar. (since 20 August 2015), CHATCHAI Sarikan, Gen. (since 23 November 2017)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives approves a person for Prime Minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years

note: Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat

description: bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (297 seats; 238 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 59 representing minorities directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)

elections: Senate - elections last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2019); House of Representatives - elections last held on 9 May 2016 (next to be held in May 2019)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - LP 31.3%, NPC 10.1%, UNA 7.6%, Akbayan 5.0%, other 30.9%, independent 15.1%; seats by party - LP 6, NPC 3, UNA 4, Akbayan 1, other 10; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - LP 41.7%, NPC 17.0%, UNA 6.6%, NUP 9.7%, NP 9.4%, independent 6.0%, others 10.1%; seats by party - LP 115, NPC 42, NUP 23, NP 24, UNA 11, other 19, independent 4, party-list 59

description: in transition; following the May 2014 military coup, a junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly or Sapha Nitibanyat Haeng Chat of no more than 220 members replaced the bicameral National Assembly; expanded to 250 members in September 2016; elections for a permanent legislative body were announced for November 2018; the 2017 constitution calls for a 250-member military-appointed Senate with 5-year terms and a 500-member elected House of Representatives with 4-year terms

elections: Senate - last held on 30 March 2014 but invalidated by the coup (in future, members will be appointed); House of Representatives - last held on 2 February 2014 but later declared invalid by the Constitutional Court (next to be held no later than February 2019)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 14 associate justices)

judge selection and term of office: justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council, a constitutionally created, 6-member body that recommends Supreme Court nominees; justices serve until age 70

subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; Sandiganbayan (special court for corruption cases of government officials); Court of Tax Appeals; regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; sharia courts

highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of court president, 6 vice-presidents, and 60-70 judges, and organized into 10 divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (number of judges determined by Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judge term determined by the monarch; Constitutional Court justices - 3 judges drawn from the Supreme Court, 2 judges drawn from the Administrative Court, and 4 judge candidates selected by the Selective Committee for Judges of the Constitutional Court and confirmed by the Senate; judges appointed by the monarch to serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Administrative Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life

subordinate courts: courts of first instance and appeals courts within both the judicial and administrative systems; military courts

Akbayon [Machris CABREROS]

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]

Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Ferdinand Martin ROMUALDEZ]

Liberal Party or LP [Francis PANGILINAN]

Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel "Manny" VILLAR]

Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Eduardo COJUNGCO, Jr.]

National Unity Party or NUP [Albert GARCIA]

PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL III]

People's Reform Party or PRP [Narcisco SANTIAGO]

Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]

United Nationalist Alliance or UNA

note: as of 5 April 2018, 98 new parties applied to be registered with the Election Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the new organic law on political parties

Chat Thai Phatthana Party or CTP (Thai Nation Development Party)

Phumchai (Bhumjai) Thai Party or PJT (Thai Pride) [ANUTHIN Chanwirakun]

Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [acting leader WIROT Paoin]

Prachathipat Party or DP (Democrat Party) [ABHISIT Wechachiwa, also spelled ABHISIT Vejjajiva]

Black and White Movement or BWM [Vicente ROMANO]

People Action (Kilosbayan)

Democracy Restoration Group (formerly the New Democracy Movement)

People's Democratic Reform Committee or PDRC

United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego ROMUALDEZ (since 29 November 2017)

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires PHATTHARAWAN Wetchasat (since 27 October 2017)

chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

chief of mission: Ambassador Sung KIM (since 6 December 2016)

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1000

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000

FAX: [63] (2) 301-2017

chief of mission: Ambassador Glyn T. DAVIES (since 28 November 2015)

embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

mailing address: APO AP 96546

telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000

FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131

consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897

note: in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy

note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed

three stars and sun, Philippine eagle; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue

name: "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land)

lyrics/music: Jose PALMA (revised by Felipe PADILLA de Leon)/Julian FELIPE

note: music adopted 1898, original Spanish lyrics adopted 1899, Filipino (Tagalog) lyrics adopted 1956; although the original lyrics were written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions were created; today, only the Filipino version is used

name: "Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand)

lyrics/music: Luang SARANUPRAPAN/Phra JENDURIYANG

note: music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sanlasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

The economy has been relatively resilient to global economic shocks due to less exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from about 10 million overseas Filipino workers and migrants, and a rapidly expanding services industry. During 2017, the current account balance fell into the negative range, the first time since the 2008 global financial crisis, in part due to an ambitious new infrastructure spending program announced this year. However, international reserves remain at comfortable levels and the banking system is stable.

Efforts to improve tax administration and expenditures management have helped ease the Philippines' debt burden and tight fiscal situation. The Philippines received investment-grade credit ratings on its sovereign debt under the former AQUINO administration and has had little difficulty financing its budget deficits. However, weak absorptive capacity and implementation bottlenecks have prevented the government from maximizing its expenditure plans. Although it has improved, the low tax-to-GDP ratio remains a constraint to supporting increasingly higher spending levels and sustaining high and inclusive growth over the longer term.

Economic growth has accelerated, averaging over 6% per year from 2011 to 2017, compared with 4.5% under the MACAPAGAL-ARROYO government; and competitiveness rankings have improved. Although 2017 saw a new record year for net foreign direct investment inflows, FDI to the Philippines has continued to lag regional peers, in part because the Philippine constitution and other laws limit foreign investment and restrict foreign ownership in important activities/sectors - such as land ownership and public utilities.

Although the economy grew at a rapid pace under the AQUINO government, challenges to achieving more inclusive growth remain. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of the rich. The unemployment rate declined from 7.3% to 5.7% between 2010 and 2017; while there has been some improvement, underemployment remains high at around 17% to 18% of the employed population. At least 40% of the employed work in the informal sector. Poverty afflicts more than a fifth of the total population but is as high as 75% in some areas of the southern Philippines. More than 60% of the poor reside in rural areas, where the incidence of poverty (about 30%) is more severe - a challenge to raising rural farm and non-farm incomes. Continued efforts are needed to improve governance, the judicial system, the regulatory environment, the infrastructure, and the overall ease of doing business.

2016 saw the election of President Rodrigo DUTERTE, who has pledged to make inclusive growth and poverty reduction his top priority. DUTERTE believes that illegal drug use, crime and corruption are key barriers to economic development. The administration wants to reduce the poverty rate to 17% and graduate the economy to upper-middle income status by the end of President DUTERTE’s term in 2022. Key themes under the government’s Ten-Point Socioeconomic Agenda include continuity of macroeconomic policy, tax reform, higher investments in infrastructure and human capital development, and improving competitiveness and the overall ease of doing business. The administration sees infrastructure shortcomings as a key barrier to sustained economic growth and has pledged to spend $165 billion on infrastructure by 2022. Although the final outcome has yet to be seen, the current administration is shepherding legislation for a comprehensive tax reform program to raise revenues for its ambitious infrastructure spending plan and to promote a more equitable and efficient tax system. However, the need to finance rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the southern region of Mindanao following the 2017 Marawi City siege may compete with other spending on infrastructure.

With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for about two-thirds of GDP. Thailand’s exports include electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. The industry and service sectors produce about 90% of GDP. The agricultural sector, comprised mostly of small-scale farms, contributes only 10% of GDP but employs about one-third of the labor force. Thailand has attracted an estimated 3.0-4.5 million migrant workers, mostly from neighboring countries.

Over the last few decades, Thailand has reduced poverty substantially. In 2013, the Thai Government implemented a nationwide 300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners.

Thailand’s economy is recovering from slow growth during the years since the 2014 coup. Thailand’s economic fundamentals are sound, with low inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Tourism and government spending - mostly on infrastructure and short-term stimulus measures – have helped to boost the economy, and The Bank of Thailand has been supportive, with several interest rate reductions.

Over the longer-term, household debt levels, political uncertainty, and an aging population pose risks to growth.

$874.5 billion (2017 est.)

$820.4 billion (2016 est.)

$767.2 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 30

$1.229 trillion (2017 est.)

$1.185 trillion (2016 est.)

$1.148 trillion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 21

$321.2 billion (2017 est.)

$437.8 billion (2017 est.)

6.6% (2017 est.)

6.9% (2016 est.)

6.1% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

3.7% (2017 est.)

3.2% (2016 est.)

2.9% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 84

$8,200 (2017 est.)

$7,900 (2016 est.)

$7,500 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 152

$17,800 (2017 est.)

$17,200 (2016 est.)

$16,700 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 97

25.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

24.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

23.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 47

32.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

33.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

30.3% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

household consumption: 72.7%

government consumption: 10.9%

investment in fixed capital: 25.2%

investment in inventories: -0.2%

exports of goods and services: 32.1%

imports of goods and services: -40.7% (2017 est.)

household consumption: 50.1%

government consumption: 17%

investment in fixed capital: 24.2%

investment in inventories: -7%

exports of goods and services: 70.4%

imports of goods and services: -54.7% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 9.4%

industry: 30.8%

services: 59.8% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 8.2%

industry: 36.2%

services: 55.6% (2017 est.)

rice, fish, livestock, poultry, bananas, coconut/copra, corn, sugarcane, mangoes, pineapple, cassava

rice, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, palm oil, pineapple, livestock, fish products

semiconductors and electronics assembly, business process outsourcing, food and beverage manufacturing, construction, electric/gas/water supply, chemical products, radio/television/communications equipment and apparatus, petroleum and fuel, textile and garments, non-metallic minerals, basic metal industries, transport equipment

tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts, agricultural machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration, ceramics, aluminum, chemical, environmental management, glass, granite and marble, leather, machinery and metal work, petrochemical, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, printing, pulp and paper, rubber, sugar, rice, fishing, cassava, world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

6.5% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

3.6% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

44.46 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

38.37 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 17

agriculture: 26.9%

industry: 17.5%

services: 55.6% (2016 est.)

agriculture: 31.8%

industry: 16.7%

services: 51.5% (2015 est.)

6% (2017 est.)

5.5% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 86

0.7% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 4

21.6% (2017 est.)

7.2% (2015 est.)

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 29.5% (2015 est.)

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 31.5% (2009 est.)

44.4 (2015 est.)

46 (2012 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

44.5 (2015 est.)

48.4 (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

revenues: $44.74 billion

expenditures: $53.55 billion (2017 est.)

revenues: $79.6 billion

expenditures: $90.56 billion (2017 est.)

13.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 198

18.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 166

-2.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 103

-2.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 99

41.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

42.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 131

44.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

41.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions

country comparison to the world: 121

calendar year

1 October - 30 September

3.1% (2017 est.)

1.8% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 130

0.6% (2017 est.)

0.2% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

3.56% (31 December 2016 est.)

6.19% (31 December 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 101

1.5% (31 December 2016 est.)

1.5% (31 December 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

6% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.64% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 127

6.2% (31 December 2017 est.)

6.31% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 125

$68.16 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$61.62 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 48

$56.36 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$52.03 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

$199 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$183.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

$546.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$510.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

$207.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$184.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

$537.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$507.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

$290.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

$286.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$318 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

$348.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$430.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$354.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

$-315 million (2017 est.)

$601 million (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 97

$44 billion (2017 est.)

$46.83 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

$53.22 billion (2017 est.)

$43.44 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

$228.2 billion (2017 est.)

$214.3 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

semiconductors and electronic products, machinery and transport equipment, wood manufactures, chemicals, processed food and beverages, garments, coconut oil, copper concentrates, seafood, bananas/fruits

automobiles and parts, computer and parts, jewelry and precious stones, polymers of ethylene in primary forms, refine fuels, electronic integrated circuits, chemical products, rice, fish products, rubber products, sugar, cassava, poultry, machinery and parts, iron and steel and their products

Japan 16.2%, US 14.8%, Hong Kong 13.7%, China 11.1%, Singapore 6.1%, Thailand 4.2%, Germany 4.1%, South Korea 4% (2017)

US 11.4%, China 11.1%, Japan 9.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%, Australia 4.8%, Malaysia 4.5%, Vietnam 4.4% (2016)

$90.42 billion (2017 est.)

$77.52 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

$190 billion (2017 est.)

$177.7 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

machinery and parts, crude oil, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, iron & steel and product, electronic integrated circuit, automobile’s parts, jewelry including silver bars and gold, computers and parts, electrical household appliances, soybean, soybean meal, wheat, cotton, dairy products

China 18.1%, Japan 11.4%, South Korea 8.7%, US 8%, Thailand 7.1%, Indonesia 6.8%, Singapore 5.9%, Taiwan 5.3% (2016)

China 21.6%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.2%, Malaysia 5.6% (2016)

$81.53 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$80.69 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

$193.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$171.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

$80.88 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$75.01 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

$135.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$130.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

$67.25 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$64.25 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

$205.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$193.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

$47.58 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$45.38 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

$112.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$96.27 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar -

50.21 (2017 est.)

47.49 (2016 est.)

47.49 (2015 est.)

45.5 (2014 est.)

44.4 (2013 est.)

baht per US dollar -

34.34 (2017 est.)

35.3 (2016 est.)

35.3 (2015 est.)

34.25 (2014 est.)

32.48 (2013 est.)

population without electricity: 20,600,000

electrification - total population: 88%

electrification - urban areas: 94%

electrification - rural areas: 82% (2013)

population without electricity: 700,000

electrification - total population: 99%

electrification - urban areas: 99.7%

electrification - rural areas: 98.3% (2013)

90.8 billion kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

167.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

74.15 billion kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

168.3 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 188

2.267 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

14.41 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

21.21 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

40.97 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

67.5% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

76.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 94

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 172

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 188

16.9% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 97

8.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

15.6% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 46

14.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

20,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

257,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

4,942 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 63

12,200 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

215,800 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

830,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 68

396.4 million bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 52

169,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

1.213 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

390,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

1.272 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

13,140 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 78

238,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

186,100 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

162,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

2.6 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

39.82 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

3.196 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 77

114.8 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

0 cu m (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 171

0 cu m (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 190

0 cu m (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 179

13.33 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 53

206.8 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

88 million Mt (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 44

301 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

total subscriptions: 3,835,910.54

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

total subscriptions: 4.706 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

total: 113 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 108 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

total: 119.669 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 175 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate

domestic: telecommunications infrastructure includes the following platforms: fixed line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), fiber-optic cable, and satellite for redundant international connectivity

international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to the US, and to countries like Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Brunei, and Malaysia, among others; multiple international gateways (2016)

general assessment: high quality system, especially in urban areas like Bangkok

domestic: fixed-line system provided by both a government-owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding rapidly

international: country code - 66; connected to major submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2016)

multiple national private TV and radio networks; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems available; more than 400 TV stations; about 1,500 cable TV providers with more than 2 million subscribers, and some 1,400 radio stations; the Philippines adopted Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcast – Terrestrial standard for digital terrestrial television in November 2013 and is scheduled to complete the switch from analog to digital broadcasting by the end of 2023 (2016)

26 digital TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally, 6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the stations are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and all are required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2017)

.ph

.th

total: 56,956,436

percent of population: 55.5% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

total: 32,398,778

percent of population: 47.5% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

number of registered air carriers: 11

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 158

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 32,230,986

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 484,190,968 mt-km (2015)

number of registered air carriers: 19

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 276

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 54,259,629

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,134,149,001 mt-km (2015)

RP (2016)

HS (2016)

247 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 24

101 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 56

total: 89

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 33

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 10 (2017)

total: 63

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 6 (2013)

total: 158

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 56

under 914 m: 99 (2013)

total: 38

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 26 (2013)

2 (2013)

7 (2013)

gas 530 km; oil 138 km (non-operational); refined products 185 km (2017)

condensate 2 km; gas 5,900 km; liquid petroleum gas 85 km; oil 1 km; refined products 1,097 km (2013)

total: 77 km

narrow gauge: 28 km 1.067-m gauge

standard guage: 49 km 1.435-m guage (2017)

country comparison to the world: 89

total: 4,127 km

standard gauge: 84 km 1.435-m gauge (84 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 4,043 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)

country comparison to the world: 45

total: 216,387 km

paved: 61,093 km

unpaved: 155,294 km (2014)

country comparison to the world: 24

total: 180,053 km (includes 450 km of expressways) (2006)

country comparison to the world: 30

3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 30

4,000 km (3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 26

total: 1,508

by type: bulk carrier 64, container ship 33, general cargo 627, oil tanker 184, other 600 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 18

total: 781

by type: bulk carrier 25, container ship 23, general cargo 94, oil tanker 240, other 399 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 27

major seaport(s): Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila

container port(s) (TEUs): Manila (3,976,000) (2015)

major seaport(s): Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha

container port(s) (TEUs): Bangkok (1,559,000), Laem Chabang (6,780,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Map Ta Phut

1.28% of GDP (2016)

1.14% of GDP (2015)

1.09% of GDP (2014)

1.24% of GDP (2013)

1.16% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 90

1.5% of GDP (2017)

1.45% of GDP (2016)

1.44% of GDP (2015)

1.41% of GDP (2014)

1.4% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 73

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2013)

Royal Thai Armed Forces (Kongthap Thai, RTARF): Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN, includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force (Kongthap Agard Thai, RTAF) (2017)

17-23 years of age (officers 20-24) for voluntary military service; no conscription; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens with either 72 college credit hours (enlisted) or a baccalaureate degree (officers) (2013)

21 years of age for compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation (2012)

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; during 2016, 10 attacks were reported in and around the Philippines including six ships that were boarded, one hijacked, one fired upon, and 18 crew were kidnapped for ransom; an emerging threat area lies in the Celebes and Sulu Seas between the Philippines and Malaysia where 12 crew were kidnapped in three incidents during the last quarter of 2016; it is believed the pirates involved are associated with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist organization; during the first six months of 2017, 13 attacks were reported including 10 ships that were boarded, one was fired upon, 10 crew were kidnapped for ransom and two killed; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Philippines claims sovereignty over Scarborough Reef (also claimed by China together with Taiwan) and over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent activities; Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River; despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary; in 2011, Thailand and Cambodia resorted to arms in the dispute over the location of the boundary on the precipice surmounted by Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962 and part of a planned UN World Heritage site; Thailand is studying the feasibility of jointly constructing the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween river near the border with Burma; in 2004, international environmentalist pressure prompted China to halt construction of 13 dams on the Salween River that flows through China, Burma, and Thailand; approximately 105,000 mostly Karen refugees fleeing civil strife, political upheaval and economic stagnation in Burma live in remote camps in Thailand near the border

IDPs: 445,000 (government troops fighting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the New People's Army; clan feuds; natural disasters) (2017)

stateless persons: 4,636 (2016); note - stateless persons are descendants of Indonesian migrants

refugees (country of origin): 102,633 (Burma) (2016)

IDPs: 41,000 (resurgence in ethno-nationalist violence in south of country since 2004) (2017)

stateless persons: 487,741 (2016); note - about half of Thailand's northern hill tribe people do not have citizenship and make up the bulk of Thailand's stateless population; most lack documentation showing they or one of their parents were born in Thailand; children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless; most Chao Lay, maritime nomadic peoples, who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea west of Thailand are also stateless; stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled; stateless persons are denied access to voting, property, education, employment, healthcare, and driving

note: Thai nationality was granted to more than 18,000 stateless persons in the last 3 years (2015)

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption; major consumer of methamphetamine since the 1990s despite a series of government crackdowns

current situation: Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims from Burma, Cambodia, Laos, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and India, migrate to Thailand in search of jobs but are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labor in commercial fishing, fishing-related industries, factories, domestic work, street begging, or the sex trade; some Thai, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indonesian men forced to work on fishing boats are kept at sea for years; sex trafficking of adults and children from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma remains a significant problem; Thailand is a transit country for victims from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Burma subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, the US, and countries in Western Europe; Thai victims are also trafficked in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Thailand does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and is not making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims; some cases of official complicity were investigated and prosecuted, but trafficking-related corruption continues to hinder progress in combatting trafficking; authorities’ efforts to screen for victims among vulnerable populations remained inadequate due to a poor understanding of trafficking indicators, a failure to recognize non-physical forms of coercion, and a shortage of language interpreters; the government passed new labor laws increasing the minimum age in the fishing industry to 18 years old, guaranteeing the minimum wage, and requiring work contracts, but weak law enforcement and poor coordination among regulatory agencies enabled exploitive labor practices to continue; the government increased efforts to raise public awareness to the dangers of human trafficking and to deny entry to foreign sex tourists (2015)